What You'll Do
As the Chief Staff Attorney, you will lead the legal and operational functions of the Staff Attorneys’ Office, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality legal analysis and recommendations. You will supervise attorneys and support staff responsible for evaluating appeals, motions, and urgent filings, guiding them in producing well-reasoned dispositions.
You will serve as a key advisor to the Court on complex legal and procedural questions, contributing to executive-level discussions and policy development. Your role includes representing the Court in coordination with other judicial units, supporting committee initiatives, and collaborating with chief legal officers from other federal circuits on administrative and procedural standards.
Requirements
You must hold a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and be an active member in good standing of a recognized bar. A minimum of ten years of legal experience—encompassing litigation, research, or legal administration—is required, along with at least five years of demonstrated supervisory responsibility.
Strong expertise in federal appellate, civil, and criminal procedure is essential, as is a solid foundation in constitutional law. You must possess exceptional analytical, writing, and communication skills, along with the ability to manage professional teams effectively. Proficiency with legal research tools and office automation systems is expected.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional experience within a federal court, government legal office, or comparable public-sector environment
- Prior service as a federal law clerk
Benefits
- Employer-supported health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
- Flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care, and transportation
- Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Mass transit subsidies and access to an on-site fitness center
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with Thrift Savings Plan matching
- Retiree continuation of insurance benefits at employee rates
- Generous leave policy: 13 vacation days annually (increasing with tenure), 13 sick days, and 11 paid holidays
